Images shot on my macro-rig (see assets) or captured and shot in the field, are identified by a 15px maroon dot next to the image reference on the face of the image. This Elephant Hawk Moth image [IMG] is an example and was caught in my Skinner Moth Trap at home. Captive specimens obviously in containers are invariably shot in the field under less than ideal conditions. I do not collect physical specimens of anything at all, only images.

In season I engage in pond dipping in authorised places. I have many small nets and they are thoroughly sterilised, using the same techniques as Anglers, before being used on a different pond. Hence if I am pond dipping on multiple sites on the same day, I carry sufficient small nets that attach to the end of my monopod (see assets). The risk of spreading amphibian diseases or invasive vegetation species may otherwise be increased. One of my favourite jobs is scooping out some pond debris and examining the contents on my bench outside at home on a pretty spring day.

I always shoot RAW images at the maximum size with any camera. Post production processing negligible beyond cropping and resizing. I may lighten images of small creatures slightly as there are rarely opportunities for photographic niceties before taking a shot. No time to say cheese in the great outdoors. It is necessary to constantly monitor changing conditions when hunting and make adjustments to settings, in anticipation of a potential new target. I often get it wrong of course. All part of the interest and challenge. Landscapes presented are invariably straight out of the camera although a circular polarising lens is usually employed by default on landscapes.